Oh my God, 30 days until ice cream season? Is it ever going to be that warm again?

And it’s just 23 more days after that until the start of Little League season (which we celebrate by holding an apres-parade picnic of Evil Genius hot dogs followed by birthday cake at home because the parade falls, invariably, on my daughter’s birthday weekend. This year it’s actually ON her birthday).

I didn’t go out Sunday; I only saw the sign last night when I was shooting Vegas-in-Grafton. I figured, when I saw the same number this afternoon, that they just put the sign up before they went to bed.

I know – horrible isn’t it – so when is the actual opening date – no one really knows for sure — it reminds me of when I first heard that Cheng-du’s was coming to Grafton (3 years ago) – will they ever actually open for business in Grafton… ?

There is another one opening up this spring — Holy Cow Ice Cream, which is between Fore Seasons Mini Golf and T-Station Pizza. It’s a nice little complex there, which reminds me: I still need to taste-test Cafe Mayan!

I can’t help but get digressed (Jenn, is that ok english)….the lines at S&S get me every time. I’ve been doing pretty intense scientific research of them for about 8 years, and despite this I always get in the wrong line. I used to think you get in the line with the least number of kids…but then I realized that there is often a single person representing a van full of kids. I used to think you target the line with older folks…but then I realized they are the banana split croud. I just can’t seem to figure it out!

My S&S tip: never get behind the couple with the little dog on a leash. They’re not only going to buy ice cream for the dog (and making an ice cream dish for a dog apparently takes a while), but everyone at the window has to stop to coo over the dog. I’m not anti-dog by any means, but I’m more enthusiastic about them AFTER I have my cone in my hand. 🙂

The Countdown Sign – I can barely stand the anticipation not only of the yummy choices but that the opening is a sign of spring. My 8-year-old shrieks (every day) as we pass that countdown sign which is quite unnerving first thing in the morning as I’m trying to avoid being hit by the “never ending queue” in front of Dunkin’ Donuts!

Another tip: avoid teens wearing sports clothing (uniform or practice gear). It may look like one or two but usually there are 5 or 6 at the water bubbler around the corner waiting to add their orders to the list just as your 8-year-old can see the top of the counter thinking “I’m ready!” Did I mention shrieking?